FOXBORO – From Ron Dayne to Michael Bennett and most recently Montee Ball, Wisconsin has traditionally produced running backs that eventually went on to be productive in the NFL.

FOXBORO – From Ron Dayne to Michael Bennett and most recently Montee Ball, Wisconsin has traditionally produced running backs that eventually went on to be productive in the NFL.

Patriots’ fourth-round pick James White hopes to be the next.

“It’s definitely an honor,” White said on Tuesday from Gillette Stadium. “Lot of great running backs have been through the Wisconsin system. It would be an honor to even be in the same sentence as guys like Ron Dayne.

After losing LeGarrette Blount in the offseason, White joins Stevan Ridley, Shane Vereen and Brandon Bolden in the Patriots’ backfield. White’s career average of 6.24 yards per carry set a Wisconsin record. He also finished fourth all-time in the program’s history with 4,015 career rushing yards and third all-time with 45 rushing touchdowns.

White produced even though he split carries with Ball, who enjoyed a productive rookie season in Denver last year, for his first three collegiate seasons.

He was asked what makes Wisconsin running backs so effective and said, “Just guys that work hard and do anything to help the team win. They give their best effort every day.”